Say hello to James, a passionate music lover who perfectly incorporates Spotify into his work regimen, switches to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance conceivable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant partners, converting his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging realm of music, but the very source of his joy may be harming his treasured ability to hear without him realizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and unsafe ways to enjoy music. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
What is the link between extended exposure to music and hearing damage?
Over time, loud noises can lead to degeneration of your hearing abilities. Hearing loss is typically connected to growing older, but recent studies indicate that it is primarily triggered by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a normal part of getting older.
It also turns out that younger ears are particularly susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to disregard the potential hazards of excessive noise over time. An increasing amount of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss due to frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast with no limits is the most hazardous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it usually includes turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and keep the volume lower than 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Forty hours week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by fairly quickly. Despite this, most individuals have a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
The more challenging aspect involves tracking your sound level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not display volume in decibels. It’s gauged on some random scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it could be as small as 1 to 16. You may not have any clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
Tips for effectively keeping track of your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this issue. These apps provide immediate feedback on surrounding noise levels, allowing users to fine-tune their listening volume to safe levels.
Because of this, many audiologists suggest using one of the numerous noise level tracking applications available at no cost. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, provide instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. That way, you can monitor the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
As example, 80 dB is roughly comparable to the noise emitted by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Recognizing this standard is essential, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a substantial hazard.
It’s crucial to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels exceed this critical point. Consider reducing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can lead to hearing complications including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we enable ourselves to make educated decisions in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing exam
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing exam. Proactive measures like regular screenings can identify any potential problems early on, allowing for timely interventions and individualized recommendations to protect your vital sense of hearing.